Air New Zealand Air Points - NZ crew Q&A

I've seen that these threads are (inexplicably) very popular over in the various American airline forums, so I thought I'd give it a go, although I doubt there's anything people want to know!

The main questions I get..

Crew Bases

We have three different crew resource groups:

Longhaul: Based in AKL, PVG, or LHR. These crew operate only 747, 767. and 777 aircraft.

National: Based in AKL, WLG, CHC. These crew operate only 737 flights.

Zeal320: New Zealand based crew, operating only A320 flights.


Ranks

There are four ranks of cabin crew on each flight.

1 Flight Service Manager, who is in charge of the flight from a cabin crew perspective. They split their time between the cabins, do the lounge visits, deal with any problems that arise, etc. They also have ground responsibilities, paperwork, coaching etc. and have responsibility for a 'pod' of about 10 crew (who they don't fly with all the time), including performance issues, absence, career development, etc.

1 Inflight Service Coordinator, who is second in command. They work only in the Economy cabin and run the Economy service.

Flight Attendant Premium Service (FAPS) work only in the Business Premier and Premium Economy cabins. Nowadays they're recruited on merit, although a lot of them date from the time when it was more a 'time served' recruitment basis.

Flight Attendant Pacific Class (FAPC) work predominately in the Economy cabin.


Rostering

We're issued a 28 day roster, roughly two weeks before it commences. Unlike most other airlines, seniority has nothing to do with the roster. We can request one trip per month and one block of 3 days off per month, and when assigning the request, the computer looks at the last time you got what you requested and ranks the requests accordingly. If your request is denied, you gain priority for the next roster.
All other trips are assigned by the optimizing computer.

In lieu of requesting, you can choose to fly with your spouse/partner and the computer assigns as best it can matching rosters.

Once per year, we have a 'call' roster when we stay at home and are called out for trips if people are sick, last minute charter trips, disrupts, etc. Each 'call' day you're assigned either the early call (2am-2pm) or the late call (2.01pm-1.59am). You can get as little as 1 hours notice.

We can fly a max of 100 flying hours per 28 day roster, typically averaging 85-95, and have a minimum of 10 days off per roster.


Demographics

Domestically, the majority of crew seem to be female. Longhaul, I'd guess that the crew is about 55% male, 45% female, and 0% other ;) Average age is, I seem to recall from a survey a few years ago, about 36. Our longest serving flight attendant has done 43 years flying and is (I believe) 67 years old.


Airline policies

One I get asked quite a lot is why the window shades have to be up for takeoff and landing. The main, overriding reason is so the crew have complete-as-possible visibility outside the aircraft in the event of an emergency, and can evaluate which particular exits should be used. In conjunction with the dimmed cabin lights, it also aids your orientation if you need to get out in a hurry.

Anything else you want to know.. feel free to ask!

nz_crew,

Many thanks for starting this thread! ^

Thank you for the thread, very informative. :)

nz_crew

What a great topic.

My question is what are the:

1/ The most desirable/popular sectors amongst crew on Long haul?

2/ The least desirable/popular amongst crew on LH?. I have heard AKL PER AKL is not that popular due the passengers being somewhat 'difficult'.

Cheers

nz_crew
1/ The most desirable/popular sectors amongst crew on Long haul?

2/ The least desirable/popular amongst crew on LH?. I have heard AKL PER AKL is not that popular due the passengers being somewhat 'difficult'.



I would have thought HNL would be a favourite - I think some flights get 5 days lay over... I would also expect SFO to be popular.

For unpopular - any of the back to backs ie AKL-SYD-AKL and perhaps some of the islands like Samoa, Tonga.

Thanks nz_crew

nz_crew

What a great topic.

My question is what are the:

1/ The most desirable/popular sectors amongst crew on Long haul?

2/ The least desirable/popular amongst crew on LH?. I have heard AKL PER AKL is not that popular due the passengers being somewhat 'difficult'.

Cheers


Wow, people are actually interested!

Popularity of the routes really depends on what you like and what your lifestyle is. A lot of the longer layovers have gone now, such as the 5 night NGOs, the 3 night TPE, the 3-4 night NAN. Personally I'm fond of a 2 night LAX which is our 'standard' layover, since we stay at 5 different hotels so it doesn't get too samey. The flights are relatively easy since they're both overnight, and the money is pretty good. However, I know a lot of the crew prefer the 1 night LAX, because you're home quicker and get 3 clear days off afterwards instead of 2, so it's popular for those with kids especially.
SFO has recently changed to all 1 night layovers, but until now it was a great choice of trip too.

Unpopular - definitely the MOST unpopular would be the all-night PPT 'double banger', in which you report to work at 2345 and sign off the following day at 1335! Trans Tasman trips aren't popular because a lot of our income comes from overtime and allowances, and the Tasmans would generally only give 1-2 hours of overtime pay and a dinner allowance, however they do have the advantage of having you in your own bed at night, so I don't mind doing them.

PER is a mixed bag - some crew love the city, but the flights are universally acknowledged as being some of the more challenging, as you mentioned..

Some more info I thought of..

Before and after the flight

We have a choice of driving to work on our own dime, or catching a company transport, which departs from about 20 different points scattered around Auckland city (from Albany to Takanini). On arrival we check our bags and go to the administration area to check our drop files for any company information, trip swap requests from other crew, etc.

We then go airside to the briefing room (old F class lounge). We have to be there one hour before flight departure, where the FSM will give us a 5-10 minute briefing.. flight loadings, any special requirements (wheelchairs, etc.), information on gold/elites, and assign us our duties for the trip. For example, if I'm an FAPC on a 777, I might be given the 'FA5' position on the trip up and 'FA9' on the trip back. If I'm told 'FA5', I know I'll be seated at door 3L, work on the bar cart during the flight. On the way home, I'll be 'FA9', seated in the rear galley and operating the galley.

We then go to the aircraft, do our security checks, check emergency equipment is functional and untampered with, and distribute headsets onto the seats, and check all food and beverages are loaded correctly and to the right passenger loading.

After the flight, we assist any passengers needing it, check any problems have been recorded for engineering, check for any lost possessions, and deboard to go through the crew checkpoint and board the crew transport to our hotel. We officially 'sign off' 30 minutes after the aircraft brake is applied at the gate.


Inflight Mortality

I get asked this one quite a bit. Yes it does happen, even to an airline as small as Air NZ we generally have 2-3 a year. There is nowhere to stow the deceased so if the flight is full this presents problems, especially on the 777 where there are no 'spare' seats (on the 747 there's passenger-approved seats in the flight deck area and the understair area). The last death was on the Perth route and was (rather tragically) a suicide.

We have various equipment onboard such as a defibrillator, a physician's kit with a rather comprehensive range of equipment which can be used by any doctors who happen to be travelling, as well as drips, epi-pens, adrenaline, etc. This has saved many lives.

The Pax on the PER flight being 'difficult' :D

In your experience how many of the FSMs go round and do the meet and greet of elite pax in Y?

Difficult question, since we're usually occupied with setting up for the service at the time he does his 'rounds', but I'd say about 70%? Some of them prefer one of the economy crew, who'll be serving the passengers, to do it.

Almost all of the FSMs do try and at least ensure the elites in Y have a newspaper and/or bottle of water, and if they're seated at the rear of the plane, that they get their choice of meal.

This is great...............

More questions

On the TT how many, on average, do you do a month? What do you on the turnaround eg:stay on the plane, go for a walk/duty free shopping or do you have a meal on board the a/c (doubt the latter due to time constraints). The options seem fairly limited.

Have you ever run out of booze on a flight. I heard a great story from an FA last year where the Rugby 7 supporters were flying to HGK on NZ one year, drank the plane dry and had the nerve to ask the FSM if the plane could be diverted to MNL to get more booze. LOL

The 'average' Trans-Tasman rostering for us longhaul crew is 2.5 a month, or 26-30 per year. I don't know the details for the Zeal crew but their rosters are very busy and I'm sure they'd do 4-5 a week. Due to the nature of the rostering computer, if you're a language speaker or on a spouse/partner roster you tend to get more Tasmans than the other crew.

Turnarounds in Aussie vary from 1-3 hours, but most of us usually stay on the plane up in business class and read the paper whilst trying to stay out of the way of the cleaners. We really don't get a lot of time to eat, and meals aren't loaded for us on those sectors (we get paid an allowance in lieu of NZ providing meals) so we eat any leftovers quickly after the service finishes and before the top of descent.

I've run out of bourbon and beer on a Perth flight, but have never seen the plane drank dry. It used to happen with regular frequency in the early to mid 90s and prior, but since the health issues associated with flying have become more apparent, most drink in moderation, or stick to one particular type of drink.

Sorry to ask you, what does zeal mean? Is it part of Air NZ? Like Air Nelson?
Do they have their own crews but wear NZ's uniform? And they fly internationally and domestically?

Are London based crews are like Shanghai based crews that they are contractors?

When I was on Shanghai flight, the FSM told me one day they will be replaced by Chinese, is that right? I think that shouldn't happen at all, I believe, there are Chinese passages want to have a REAL NZ experience from the 1st moment they step in the cabin, not face all Chinese crews on a NZ flight, for those who want to be looked after by Chinese and they should fly Air China instead. ;)

Thanks for the thread nz_crew

Zeal320 was set up in 2006( I think). Basically it was created to reduce operating costs for the A320 fleet and to use SJ/NZ A320s with one group of crew at SJ pay rates. They fly all the A320 routes they kinda work like Air Nelson. Most Zeal320 flight numbers and between NZ700-900 and NZ1000-1999.

Thanks for that info NZ_Crew

Are London based crews are like Shanghai based crews that they are contractors?

When I was on Shanghai flight, the FSM told me one day they will be replaced by Chinese, is that right? I think that shouldn't happen at all, I believe, there are Chinese passages want to have a REAL NZ experience from the 1st moment they step in the cabin, not face all Chinese crews on a NZ flight, for those who want to be looked after by Chinese and they should fly Air China instead. ;)

Re the Shanghai crew - you're preaching to the choir, my friend.. I'd better not talk too much about how we feel about the Shanghai base.

The London crew are directly employed by Air NZ. However, apparently new legislation that limits crew flying hours due to radiation concerns means that the base may become uneconomic, so it's anyone's guess as to what happens then.

Thanks NZ crew, yes, right you are right, the Shanghai base is a problem. I'm sorry that I have asked about it.;)

Catering question

Do the caterers load the exact amount of meals for Economy – I realise BP & PE are different with more meals loaded – and is it a 50/50 split between, say, chicken and beef?. Do you find the quality of the meals vary between airport and airport?

Finally, is there much wastage ie: uneaten meals and do you lodge a report when passengers complain about the meals. BTW… I have had some great meals in Y and some true shockers.

Ah, catering.. the bane of our existence!

The order for meals is sent through to catering, I believe, about 24 hours before the flight, based on the expected flight load.

When we board the aircraft, the most important duty of the galley crew is to count the meals (casserole dishes, which are loaded in the ovens already) and the trays. We report the number to the FSM. By this time the passengers are boarding and checkin is closed, so if the number of passengers has increased, extra meals are radioed for and brought on prior to door closing.

Usually the passenger load decreases rather than increases, so we generally end up with a few spares.

The ratio varies depending on the menu and route based on historical data of how many passengers miss out on their choice - we might have 30% fish, 70% beef on AKL-LAX, 50% fish 50% lamb on AKL-NRT, and 60% chicken 40% lamb on AKL-HKG. Each flight, the FSM includes in his report how many passengers missed out, to add to the data. The loadings may be adjusted if there's a consistent trend.

If there are complaints about a particular meal they are noted and the meal will be altered or removed for the next menu cycle. There was one in particular Trans-Tasman in the early days of the Express service that was so unpopular it was immediately removed after only about 2 weeks, but the particular dish escapes my memory.

Business Class used to be catered at 130% to increase the chances of our high value passengers getting their meal choice. Now that Premium Economy gets the same hot meal choices, I'm not sure if that's still the case, since the vastly increased number of hot meals means the chances of Business passengers missing out on their choice is very very remote.

Crew meals are economy class standard and are usually exactly the same meal as that flight's economy choices, plus a couple of vegetarians loaded. We also are able to order special meals for medical or religious reasons if we choose to do so.

Business Class used to be catered at 130% to increase the chances of our high value passengers getting their meal choice. Now that Premium Economy gets the same hot meal choices, I'm not sure if that's still the case, since the vastly increased number of hot meals means the chances of Business passengers missing out on their choice is very very remote.

Aren't you assuming that business passengers will all always get served before any premium economy passengers? In my experience that is not the case. Shouldn't be an issue for mains if the orders are taken properly, but can sometimes miss out on dessert choice.

I did specify 'hot choices' in my initial post. I can't imagine any circumstance where PE customers would get their main meal choice ahead of BP, since the orders are always taken in BP before PE are served from the cart.

Favourite Aircraft to work on

Rather than to confine this to Long haul since you only work on 3 different types of ac, but what within NZ are considered the most and the least popular aircraft to work on?. I have been told by several FAs that the now retired 762s were dogs to work on.

Again, the answer you'll get will vary greatly from f/a to f/a, but my personal thoughts..

762: I didn't have much of a problem with these, but one in particular (ZKNBA I think) had a very different galley configuration due to being leased by Ansett for quite a while, and this was a pain.

Personally, my least favourite aircraft to work on is the 747, for a few reasons.

1) The galley in economy is terribly configured (2 small cramped galleys with no hatch or portal between the two)

2) Because of where the galley is, you have passengers watching you most of the time, and you disrupt them with your constant movement in and out of the galley and crashing metal stowages and carts around.

3) The rather aged appearance of the ceiling, bulkhead, overhead lockers etc. for some reason seems to sap my energy and enthusiasm.

4) The sheer size of the aircraft and galley/twin deck layout means the communication between crew and the service coordination is rather disjointed compared to the two smaller twin-jets.

5) The crew rest facilities are substandard - narrow, hard bunks up in the tail, which of course is noisy and fishtails around in turbulence. Makes it VERY hard to get a decent sleep.


The 767 I always enjoy, as despite the ageing cabin, you get to know the other crew much better due to the smaller size, and it's the only aircraft where we really have an adequate number of crew to deliver the service with the speed and finesse we wish to.

The 777 is a love it or hate it - most Premium crew hate it because they simply don't have an adequate number of crew to deliver the service they way they would like. As economy crew, I enjoy it because the galley layout is fantastic, the interior is fresh and vibrant, and and the crew rest facilities are the best of any aircraft - nice wide bunks with comfortable mattresses and privacy curtains.

Whats the worst weather you have encountered whilst working as a FA? Being a Wellingtonian, I know that WLG is a shocker - I think we all have had a curly Wellington moment haha.

What about other airports/routes? Any routes that NZ serve that stick out as being shockers?

Hi nz-crew.

We passengers hate the "PPT double-banger" too. The Sunday one is fine - morning departure from AKL and afternoon departure from PPT, but the Saturday overnight ex-AKL, early am ex-PPT is a total nightmare.

I sympathise with you.

What an interesting thread - thanks for posting :)

So after numerous references to the PER flights being "difficult", I just have to ask. Why so difficult? Are PER people different to other Aussies? Or are there other nationalities in the mix (South Africans, maybe) that make it difficult? Or is it just the flight timings? Inquiring minds need to know :)

So after numerous references to the PER flights being "difficult", I just have to ask. Why so difficult? Are PER people different to other Aussies? Or are there other nationalities in the mix (South Africans, maybe) that make it difficult?

Mad_Atta

From what I can gather, the problem with the PER AKL flights are that the pax are mainly Kiwi males who work in the Mines in Northern WA. You can't drink on the mine site site (imagine that!) and they do 6 weeks on and 2 weeks off - often they use the two weeks to fly back to NZ. Since they fly down to PER and have a few hours layover, where do they head? - yes the bar! Since they haven't had a drink for a few weeks, you can imagine it goes straight to their heads. That combined with the departure time and the relatively shortish flight time of 7 hours makes it a hell of a trip.

I understand NZ doesn't have nearly as many problems on this flight with disruptive passengers - pre 9/11 when it was quite common for the law to meet the flight arriving from PER. I must say its not my idea of fun being stuck on a 767 with a bunch of intoxicated miners.

Apparently NZ does very well in terms of loads in both Y and J. QF does not have a direct PER AKL service.

I imagine AKL PER is much more civilised flight

Over to you NZ_Crew.

Ahhh, I wondered if the mining folk had something to do with it.

Mad_Atta I must say its not my idea of fun being stuck on a 767 with a bunch of intoxicated miners.

That particular image brings to mind a scene from Priscilla, Queen of the Desert! ;)

Yeah, that matches my experience PER-AKL. Flight leaves in evening. I can't recall there ever being an empty seat on any of these flights I have taken. Lots of drinking - not uncommon for bar to run dry of some types of booze.

Given most passengers have their body clock on WA time, many passengers either get no sleep or very little. The crew probably do as much work as the longer flights to USA (because most passengers sleep for several hours at least on those flights).

Weather

Minor niggly turbulence is common on the routes we operate - you can almost guarantee the seatbelt sign will be on as we pass overhead the Pacific Islands in particular.

Personally, the two worst incidents I've experienced were overhead the Philippines en route TPE-AKL, when the bar carts hit the roof. Luckily the flight was only about half full and noone was seriously injured.

The other was descending into CHC after a trip from NRT - passing over the Alps, we hit some clear air stuff that was unexpected, and I ended up hitting the bulkhead and dropping to the floor.

I know a couple of crew who have been less fortunate - one girl on a NAN-AKL flight had the entire contents of a fresh coffee pot soak her head and face, and to add insult to injury was then hit on the head with the silver metal pot! She was off work for a few weeks as I recall.

Another guy, same route different flight, was in the galley when the aircraft suddenly dropped a couple hundred feet, and his head smashed through the plastic light fitting and cut his face severely and he was centimetres away from losing an eye.

However, these incidents are rare and I've only ever been thrown off my feet three times. We have full discretion to be able to suspend service and sit down any time we feel unsafe.

PER flights

Yes, the demographics of the passengers is what makes it challenging, along with the operating hours of the flights.

PER flights

Yes, the demographics of the passengers is what makes it challenging, along with the operating hours of the flights.Thanks for the thread, nz_crew!.

Are the PER flights turnarounds, e.g. AKL-PER-AKL? That would be pretty tough...

Do you ever see frequent customers (or recognise frequent customers) that you've flown with before onboard? Other than Kiwi Flyer anyway :p

The day they make Perth a turnaround is the day I leave..

Standard layover is about 26 hours, but when we drop down to 6x weekly, one flight has 2 nights there.

The longest turnaround we do is PPT - which is the result of an 'agreement' we made a few years ago. Back then the two hotels we were staying at in LA were pretty substandard - one was in the Airport, and one was in Culver City which isn't the most salubrious of surroundings and the hotel itself was pretty awful.

The management at the time were able to source us a better hotel, but it was more expensive and to make it 'self funding' we commenced doing the PPT trips as turnarounds, rather than overnights.

Since then, management have been, I have to admit, very enlightened regarding hotels and we now have 5 different hotels in LA, all of which are in excellent areas (Pasadena, Torrance, Long Beach, Marina del Ray, Cerritos) and the hotels themselves are very nice indeed.

Do you ever see frequent customers (or recognise frequent customers) that you've flown with before onboard? Other than Kiwi Flyer anyway :p

I'm embarrased to admit even the cleaning lady in FRA SEN B lounge recognises me (that makes at least 5 countries I'm recognised by lounge/ground staff :o ). Instead of making a PA when the shower was free, she hunted me down in the lounge ^

I am also interested nz_crew in how often you recognise frequent passengers - of course being longhaul there would be less of them than shorthaul (or at least one would think so)?

I'm embarrased to admit even the cleaning lady in FRA SEN B lounge recognises me (that makes at least 5 countries I'm recognised by lounge/ground staff :o ). Instead of making a PA when the shower was free, she hunted me down in the lounge ^

That is shameful but funny:) I am sure every NZ FA knows who you are. not mention half of AKL. You fly more than Helen Clarke does!

As I only work in Economy, we don't have so many regular passengers as those up front. The occasional passenger will recognise me, but there's only three or four I recognise.

To be brutally honest, I'm lucky to get more than a grunt from about 50% of the elite passengers, despite going out of my way to greet them, etc, so it has tended to put me off a bit. I understand that most of them view flying as a chore and just prefer to be left alone to work/relax, but it does dampen my spirits occasionally.

To be brutally honest, I'm lucky to get more than a grunt from about 50% of the elite passengers, despite going out of my way to greet them, etc, so it has tended to put me off a bit. I understand that most of them view flying as a chore and just prefer to be left alone to work/relax, but it does dampen my spirits occasionally.

Some very frequent travellers prefer not to talk too much because they realise crew have limited time and cannot spend too long talking to every customer.

BTW I don't know who you are, but if I'm ever on one of your flights you're more than welcome to introduce yourself.

Great thread! Thanks... enjoying it...

My middle name should be "havachat" so I tend to consciously try NOT to extend the conversation too much.....:D

On several flights when I was travelling alone (mainly Trans Tasman interestingly) and where the upgrade HAD cleared so I was "upfront" (:D) I found myself approached more than once and engaged in conversation... as meals etc had been done already I was most happy to chat... thought it was a VERY nice, personal touch!!!

You have answered my only question already... I had wondered about the all (or at least mostly) male cabin crews I seem to recall seeing several times...

Given the % you quote that is no longer surprising! :D

I appreciate it when crew acknowledge elite status and go out of their way to say hello and chat for a few mins. Paying for all of my PE and Biz class travel myself perhaps I appreciate it more. Was pleased when one crew member last year rememebered us but then shocked when he recalled what my partner and I drank from several months previously when it came to wine types!

Due to the nature of the rostering computer, if you're a language speaker [...] you tend to get more Tasmans than the other crew. Huh?

Is that because there's a real need for a good mix of languages for Trans Tasman pax?

Or is it the rostering software just assigns the foreign language capable staff to the same language compatible long haul routes first and then simple mindedly fills in with TT?

Or that 'Strine is considered a distinct language skill?

Also, do skills in additional languages result in any higher rates or bonuses?

This thread IS fascinating, of course one of the more important aspects of pre-flight preparation from my point of view is the approval of standby upgrades :) I am guessing a list pops out of all those who have checked in and they are ranked in order of preference NZ*E, NZ*G, *G, NZ*S, *S with factors for whether they are travelling alone or if there is something specific about a customer that increases/decreases a ranking? Is there some ranking based upon class of ticket bought (e.g. expensive PE ranks above a mid price Y ticket)? Can anyone enlighten, or it is commercially confidential?

Furthermore I'm always pleased when crew notice I am Gold Elite, it makes the effort I go to to fly NZ and the mixed range of Star carriers seem worthwhile, especially since being a UK resident where the alternatives are many and varied.

cheers

is there a thread like this for QF or DJ?

This thread IS fascinating, of course one of the more important aspects of pre-flight preparation from my point of view is the approval of standby upgrades :) I am guessing a list pops out of all those who have checked in and they are ranked in order of preference NZ*E, NZ*G, *G, NZ*S, *S with factors for whether they are travelling alonw


I was speaking to a very pleasant res agent some months ago and, yes, it goes on status. She she also said your chances are that much better if travelling alone, two is iffy and more than two zilch especially to LAX,SFO, LHR. She said TT are okay except Friday and Sunday afternoons.

Some very frequent travellers prefer not to talk too much because they realise crew have limited time and cannot spend too long talking to every customer.

Although my flying pattern is probably 0.001 % of yours, KF, I would agree that I'm one of those who doesn't want to be too much of a distraction. I found some FAs eager to chat, which is always pleasant, and a few who seem almost traumatised when a pax approaches them! So I've wondered if most FAs enjoy it when pax approach them, or if they find it an annoyance? I'd be interested to hear if others notice any difference in this area between NZ and QF FAs.

I have wondered, as an aside, if there's any pattern to who the FSMs choose to chat up? The last several AKL-LAX flights, they always seem to be awfully nervous and can't get away fast enough...and I promise that I'm sober and even showered! :p

Very interesting Mr Sydney.... Makes sense of course.... and explains my UG success %.. ;)

It's not something nz-crew would be involved in, but I am (only mildly) curious as to (generally) when standby upgrades are processed... the NZ website suggests Golds can "confirm" 3 days ahead of travel.. (I suspect that means UP TO 3 days....) but I have never tried calling to ask.... I have mostly got the new BP at the gate, once at check in, and most recently when the young guy who had checked us in came and found me in the LAX Lounge to swap my 28A BP for 4A...(Nice!)

Pretty childish really.. I haven't tried calling because that would spoil "the gate lotto game".....:)

The answer , to "when do they process UG's", is probably "it depends" in any case!

P.S. If you do a same day turn SYD-AKL-SYD you'll probably find the crew asking you about it... IME anyway!

Huh?

Is that because there's a real need for a good mix of languages for Trans Tasman pax?

Or is it the rostering software just assigns the foreign language capable staff to the same language compatible long haul routes first and then simple mindedly fills in with TT?

Or that 'Strine is considered a distinct language skill?

Also, do skills in additional languages result in any higher rates or bonuses?

No requirement, although we carry quite a lot of Chinese tour groups on certain Tasmans, so it does come in handy ocasionally.

Until now we've been quite short-staffed in the language speaker department, which means the rostering systems need to use them to the max (it's policy that all flights to Hong Kong and Japan should carry at least one, preferably two or three speakers).

Basically the rostering system works on a series of hard rules (contractual) and soft rules (noncontractual, but agreed between management and crew as 'nice to have, helps our welfare'.) Tasman trips and certain other trips are classed as 'less desirable' and should be distributed equally. However, this is a 'soft rule' - there's no limit to the amount of Tasmans we can do.

So, to use each speaker as efficiently as possible, the computer will generally roster them..

AKL-NRT-AKL
(72 hours rest required)
AKL-SYD/BNE/MEL/CNS/NAN/APW/RAR/PPT-AKL
(12 hours rest required)
AKL-NRT-AKL
AKL-SYD/BNE/MEL/CNS/NAN/APW/RAR/PPT-AKL
rinse and repeat.

However, a recent recruitment drive means that the speakers should be able to look forward to slightly more varied rosters in the future.

The other question - no, no extra pay or allowances of any kind for language speakers.

(Few of our crew are qualified in Strine, but thanks to the AKL-PER route I now know that 'rack off' is 'no, thank you, I won't partake' in Kiwi ;))

Re the Upgrades: This is one area that I have little knowledge of, and probably should have more. We are completely non-involved in any form of upgrade.

A related topic - the passenger list doesn't show who are upgrades and who aren't, unless they're last minute upgrades where a meal isn't guaranteed. It also doesn't show the fare class or fare paid. A typical passenger list might have the following entry.


57C BROWN/THEODORE SQ*G VGML **/NZ501 CHC 0600

Simply showing Mr. Brown in seat 57C is a Gold with SQ, has ordered a vegan meal, and once we arrive in AKL is connecting to 501 to CHC at 6am.


Re the FSM conversations - no pattern, but I'd suspect s/he bases it on who isn't deeply engrossed in a movie or paperwork.

Re conversations with crew - once the meal service is done, half of us go to the rest area and half stay up tending call bells, doing water runs etc. On a night flight, this can be excruitiatingly boring and most of us welcome conversation. However, when moving around the cabin I usually don't engage many people in conversations for the simple reason they mostly have headsets on and are watching the movie.

Interesting topic! One of my first flights back in the mid 80s was on the short-lived ANZ service from DFW via PPT (originating in FRA). I remember vividly the excellent service and friendly crew!
A couple of questions...First, why the change from 2 nights to 1 night in SFO; and how popular is the YVR flight with crew?

Glad we're so memorable! ^

* The SFO layover change is contractual. Our contract stipulates that 72% of tours of duty to the Americas must have 2 local nights rest, thus the other 28% can be 1 night. Since YVR counts as 'the Americas' and only operates 3 times a week, this has given the company the freedom to reduce our SFO layover, which costs them more in accommodation and allowances than LAX. It's a bummer, but it has chopped and changed between 1 and 2 nights in the past, so perhaps the next schedule will mean it's more efficient to return us to 2 nights there and reduce more LAX trips to 1 night.

* The YVR flight is a love it or hate it proposition. Our contract structure means a lot of our income comes from overtime payments, which start at 8 hours, so the YVR trip is good for that. However, with our bare-bones crewing numbers on the 777 it's a very long trip.. I don't mind it but don't go out of my way to bid for it.

Sorry about going OT with the upgrades there!

Thanks however for that very interesting little nugget.. for some reason I would have assumed upgraded pax would be identified as such on your "manifest"...


Keep it coming!!:D

To be brutally honest, I'm lucky to get more than a grunt from about 50% of the elite passengers, despite going out of my way to greet them, etc, so it has tended to put me off a bit. I understand that most of them view flying as a chore and just prefer to be left alone to work/relax, but it does dampen my spirits occasionally.
I agree with flykiwifly - I definitely appreciate it when crew recognise me as a status pax, especially in the main cabin. It can make the difference between 'yet another flight' and something memorable. Very simple things like a pre-departure bubbly for *E in the back is a quick win for loyalty and enjoyment on the flight... so I'd encourage you to do continue on with it :).

Thanks for the info...:) And yes, that was a memorable experience!
I recall reading that the 772 has 10 cabin crew which is definitely bare bones for such a long flight. I suppose that will increase to 11 once the concierges begin flying, although I don't know if they are part of the service plan. FYI...Cathay has 12 on the 2-class 772.

One last question. I know that the NAN-LAX-NAN sector ends as of today.....taken over by Air Pacific as a code share if I recall. Will the 763s still run from LAX-APW/RAR for the foreseeable future? Seems like that could be another "love it or hate it" route.

The LAX-RAR (NZ 19??) is still on the schedule...out to March 09 at least IIRC...

As I'm missing out on NZ21 LAX-NAN.. (flying in June so I've been shoved over to FJ)....I want to get that one in sooner rather than later....:D I'll not be able to equal KiwiFlyers magnificent "every NZ route" achievement.. but I'll fly whichever ones I can! Nice different way home from LAX I reckon...

ajnz reminded me of one of the extra nice touches I've seen on NZ flights.. I had an UG clear at the gate on a TT 320 flight.. My friend (who normally flies QF) was in about 11D.. (and pointed at me and told the FA upfront that "he doesn't drink..." as he came through the cabin..:D Mongrel....)

The FA took him a newspaper and some bubbly...... ^^

I asked him afterwards if that "happened on QANTAS" :);)

Re NAN-LAX, etc..

Almost all us crew loved the NAN layovers - a typical pattern was AKL-NAN, have 2-3 nights in NAN, operate NAN-LAX, 1-2 nights in LAX, then direct to AKL or back through NAN for another 2 nights. We stayed at a beautiful hotel, the Sofitel Denerau Island. Before that we were at Sheraton, which was dated but still pretty good.

Prior to being at Denerau however, we stayed at a hotel which was.. a bit of a fleapit. The lowpoint came when a chap burst into the lobby with a large machete and relieved an entire crew of their allowances.

I never imagined LAX-NAN would get the chop, so am hesitant to make a prediction about how long APW-LAX and RAR-LAX will stay around. I'd absolutely hate to see them go - we've stayed at Aggie Grey's in Apia pretty much since jet services started and they treat us like honoured guests. I'd like to see the 767s dedicated to these types of services once the 787 and 777s come online.

As a passenger I always remember the name of crew whose service i thought was exceptional. I have personally emailed NZ several times about individual crew members who made me feel relaxed, valued and welcomed, and gave great service. I think it matters, I want those people to stay with the airline and for it to be noted.

Do crew get told about this, or is there any system to acknowledge when passengers pass on positive comments? I very rarely pass on anything negative about individual crew, more something like *not offered pre take off drink, felt ignored*.

I'd like to think that it gets some acknowledgement.

Not to bring this thread too far off-topic, but I don't think LAX-RAR or LAX-APW will be axed anytime soon, especially not LAX-RAR.
The Cook Islands get a lot of tourists from the U.S. and Europe that fly through LAX and and if the service is axed, there is no other airline that can easily take over the route (unlike LAX-NAN where FJ already operated or LAX-PPT where both AF and TN operated).
Because of the CI's close connection to New Zeealand, reducung the CI income by not having U.S./Euro tourists would put pressure on the New Zeeland government to provide more support, so I think political pressure will keep LAX-RAR open, albeit with only one connection per week (and maybe two per week during high season).

NZ_Crew

Do you have a montly roster - doesn't have to be recent - you can post on here.

Also, what are your staff travel benefits like?A few FAs have told me they are not that good, compared with other airlines. Do you get a freebie J class ticket to anywnere in the network after XXXX years of service?

Cheers

To be brutally honest, I'm lucky to get more than a grunt from about 50% of the elite passengers, despite going out of my way to greet them, etc, so it has tended to put me off a bit. I understand that most of them view flying as a chore and just prefer to be left alone to work/relax, but it does dampen my spirits occasionally.I always find the talking to a standing flight attendant from your seat has a very strange dynamic; particularly with the noise of flying - maybe it's just me.
A related topic - the passenger list doesn't show who are upgrades and who aren't, unless they're last minute upgrades where a meal isn't guaranteed. It also doesn't show the fare class or fare paid. A typical passenger list might have the following entry.


57C BROWN/THEODORE SQ*G VGML **/NZ501 CHC 0600

Simply showing Mr. Brown in seat 57C is a Gold with SQ, has ordered a vegan meal, and once we arrive in AKL is connecting to 501 to CHC at 6amIn the NZ manifest's I have it has the status written out ie SQ*GOLD - has this been changed recently?

On a related note does anyone know what the ADC notation after VIP means on the manifest - Adult Day Care doesn't seem to fit :p

I'm glad this thread is still going!

I found an AKL-LAX trip report originally posted on www.airliners.net written a couple of years ago by an ANZ F/A. Here's the link:

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/trip_reports/read.main/69708/?threadid=69708&searchid=69959&s=air+new+zealand+isd#ID69959

A few things have changed (ISD is now FSM, I believe); its quite an interesting read.

NZ_Crew

Do you have a montly roster - doesn't have to be recent - you can post on here.

Also, what are your staff travel benefits like?A few FAs have told me they are not that good, compared with other airlines. Do you get a freebie J class ticket to anywnere in the network after XXXX years of service?

Cheers

OK, a typical roster..

14JAN NZ5/6 AKLBNEAKL Report 0830 / Signoff 1745 14Jan
15JAN NZ026 AKLTBUAPW Report 1530 / Signoff 2330 14Jan
14JAN Layover @ APW
15JAN Layover @ APW
16JAN NZ027 APWTBUAKL Report 0545 / Signoff 1200 16Jan
17JAN Off
18JAN Off
19JAN NZ008 AKLSFO Report 1810 / Signoff 1245 19Jan
20JAN Layover @ SFO
21JAN NZ007 SFOAKL Report 2015
22JAN Inflight SFOAKL
23JAN NZ007 SFOAKL Signoff 0545
24JAN Off
25JAN Off
26JAN NZ002 AKLLAX Report 2030 / Signoff 1330 26Jan
27JAN Layover @ LAX
28JAN NZ001 LAXAKL Report 1900
29JAN Inflight LAXAKL
30JAN NZ001 LAXAKL Signoff 0615
31JAN Off
01FEB Off
02FEB Off
03FEB NZ101 AKLSYDAKL Report 0600 / Signoff 1600 03Feb
04FEB Off
05FEB NZ171 AKLCNSAKL Report 0540 / Signoff 1830 05Feb
06FEB Off
07FEB NZ090 AKLCHCAKL Report 0600 / Signoff 1200 07Feb (passenger AKLCHC)
08FEB Off
09FEB NZ099 AKLNRT Report 0730 / Signoff 1645 09Feb
10FEB Layover @ NRT
11FEB NZ090 NRTCHC Report 1615
12FEB NZ090 NRTCHC Lands 0830
12FEB NZ090 CHCAKL Signoff 1200 (passenger CHCAKL)
13FEB Off
14Feb Off
15Feb Off


Staff travel - the details are confidential, but our benefits are in line with those of other airlines. I'm not unhappy with them. The only real difference from other airline staff is that we can't use other airlines at the same cheap rate, only Air NZ services. This is due to NZ fringe benefit tax legislation, not the fault of Air NZ.

After a certain number of years of service, some of your staff tickets can be converted to confirmed seats, rather than standby and when you've done 25 years service, your staff benefits continue after retirement.

I'll just "refresh" libertyuk's question... as I too have submitted a couple of "attaboys" (or "Attagirls!:D). Do these get passed on ? And in reasonably prompt fashion?

IIRC I've had e-mails back saying that these comments are passed on and appreciated etc etc.. and I'd hate to think that's NOT true...;)

I work in a sort of Customer service environment too.. and have been quite "chuffed" on the 3 or 4 occasions when I've got a letter from the Boss passing on compliments from people I've dealt with....

(I still haven't found out what "trade in value" they have vis a vis complaints however.. Is it 1:1? Or does an "attaboy" have higher value? :D:rolleyes:;))

I appreciate it when crew acknowledge elite status and go out of their way to say hello and chat for a few mins. Paying for all of my PE and Biz class travel myself perhaps I appreciate it more. Was pleased when one crew member last year rememebered us but then shocked when he recalled what my partner and I drank from several months previously when it came to wine types!

I must say I do too. It was great when TT used to be crewed out of WLG based domestic FA, and I used to see some very familiar faces who always used to stop and have a chat

I always ensure i say 'Hello' when i board the plane and the 'please' and 'thank you' when required. It's all about common courtesy.

It's great to recognise crews from previous flights i have been on and love t have a natter with them in the galley, especially when they are bored stiff on those long trans pac flights.

I had a pleasant experience when i flew RAR AKL SYD last year in J on a 767. I had a pig of a seatmate who was also fairly rude to the crew. Alas it was packed so they couldn't move me so i neded up in the galley for most of the flight - no big deal. The ISM told me my seatmate was on the same on-going flight to SYD as me. She even offered to get the Pilot to radio AKL and make sure he wasn't sitting next to him and change the seat if necessary. I said not to bother - as it was, on the subsquent flight he was on the opposite side of the a/c. Just before we landed the crew discretly presented me with a bottle of wine to apolgise - it was theie fault but lovely gesture.

Then on NZ105 the food in J was pretty awful and i asked the FA if i could have the meat pie from Y. I managed to score the last one left and it was very tasty indeed.

I have had some great meals in J on TT but mostly they are very ordinary - reminds me of Y meals 15 years ago. At least the wine is always top quality.

oop double post

On a related note does anyone know what the ADC notation after VIP means on the manifest - Adult Day Care doesn't seem to fit :p

Maybe Aide de Camp?

ADC probably stands for Additional Collection (excess baggage charges or last minute upgrade payment, perhaps?)

Letters do get passed on. To make it easier, try and mention the crew member's name. Occasionally, if a letter is particularly good, Rob Fyfe will mention it in his weekly update to staff.

A quick note to say that we've finally received detailed information about what the International Airline Concierge role entails.

I'm really excited about it - I think it will be fantastic for our passengers. The things that the Concierge is going to do will really take the 'Air NZ experience' to a new level, if they do their job properly.

At the same time, I'm glad its not me, since the workload sounds rather heavy (not just confined to working on the flight). I have to admit I was sceptical about the need for a Concierge but I really think it's going to be something special.

I did specify 'hot choices' in my initial post. I can't imagine any circumstance where PE customers would get their main meal choice ahead of BP, since the orders are always taken in BP before PE are served from the cart.

I almost missed out on my choice of hot breakfast. No pre-orders. Went down one side of business and PE. On next run went down the other side. If the business pax ahead of me had chosen my choice of hot breakfast I would have missed out (I got the last one).

A quick note to say that we've finally received detailed information about what the International Airline Concierge role entails.

I'm really excited about it - I think it will be fantastic for our passengers. The things that the Concierge is going to do will really take the 'Air NZ experience' to a new level, if they do their job properly.

At the same time, I'm glad its not me, since the workload sounds rather heavy (not just confined to working on the flight). I have to admit I was sceptical about the need for a Concierge but I really think it's going to be something special.

Has the launch been delayed or being phased in slowly? They were due to start by April (yes still could I suppose), but have been absent on my several flights this month on the routes that NZ publicised as having a concierge.

Ok KiwiFlyer - if the crew are doing their job correctly, BP should always get their first choice barring exceptional circumstances.

If the service is performed incorrectly (such as KF mentioned) I would encourage passengers to challenge it with the crew, or talk to the FSM if they prefer.

The Concierge never had a firm start date but the press release originally mentioned 'April' so perhaps it took them longer to recruit than they originally thought. The date they come online is 28th May but I can see it taking a few months for them to get the hang of things, since the role is new. As far as I know they all come online at once.

I remember reading something briefly about the Concierge role - would you be kind enough to refresh us on what this entails and how it will be rolled out?

Thank you! :)

ADC probably stands for Additional Collection (excess baggage charges or last minute upgrade payment, perhaps?)

Letters do get passed on. To make it easier, try and mention the crew member's name. Occasionally, if a letter is particularly good, Rob Fyfe will mention it in his weekly update to staff.I guess a revalidation fee would technically be add coll. But why would that show up on the manifest?

I had always wondered how those strange stories about the great act's of NZ employees were found for the AGM - now we know.

I had a pleasant experience when i flew RAR AKL SYD last year in J on a 767. I had a pig of a seatmate who was also fairly rude to the crew. Alas it was packed so they couldn't move me so i neded up in the galley for most of the flight - no big deal. The ISM told me my seatmate was on the same on-going flight to SYD as me. She even offered to get the Pilot to radio AKL and make sure he wasn't sitting next to him and change the seat if necessary. I said not to bother - as it was, on the subsquent flight he was on the opposite side of the a/c. Just before we landed the crew discretly presented me with a bottle of wine to apolgise - it was theie fault but lovely gesture.How can a seatmate be so bad in J that it makes you feel like spending the flight in galley?

Thanks again for this thread nz_crew

How can a seatmate be so bad in J that it makes you feel like spending the flight in galley?

Trust me, it is possible ... even in F.

HI NZ_Crew: I'm just wondering when you are overseas with other crews, do you guys all hang out together or not really?

Everytime when you fly would you know the rest of crews or not?

Thanks

If the ADCOL was entered as an OSI it automatically shows up on the manifest, regardless of whether we need to know or not! Some older agents document everything as OSIs, instead of the RMK function which was added some years later.

Regarding crews we fly with: We're organized into groups of about 150 or so, and fly within that 150 pool approx 70% of the time. It's quite possible to go for years without flying with the same person - I just flew with one of our FSMs for the first time in 3 years the other day, yet I've flown with one of our Premium crew six trips in a row!

Hanging out at layovers really depends on the crew and the destination - it's quite common to do dinner with a few others, or go shopping, or simply meet for drinks in the captain or fsm's room. Other times nothing is organized, sometimes because we already all have plans!

Hi nz-crew
Thanks for your great work with this thread. Two questions....
1. What is the greatest way a passenger can compliment you?
2. What things make the FAs appreciate the pax more e.g. the way the meal tray is left?

Thanks,

Nice question, gladstone!

A compliment mentioning the crew member in question by name to the FSM, followed up by a quick email to flightcomment@airnz.co.nz, is wonderful!

How can passengers help us? Well.. the two things I can think of that really make a difference to me are packing the meal tray absolutely flat - no bowls stacked within bowls, rubbish tightly screwed up and pushed into the bowl, etc.
The other would be not asking for drinks etc. when we're going through the cabin with seconds of wine, coffee, etc. - we usually come back to the galley with a dozen orders and have to remember who ordered what and where they are. Much better for us to push your callbell and we'll get it when we're done with the other stuff.
Oh yes, and taking off your headphones when we're talking to you!

Having said all that, it's important for you to remember you're our guests and by flying Air NZ you're allowing us to continue to follow our career of choice. If you don't feel like doing any of the things I mentioned to help out, there is absolutely no compulsion to - you're onboard to be looked after, not to look after us!!

[QUOTE=nz_crew;9649069]Nice question, gladstone!A compliment mentioning the crew member in question by name to the FSM, followed up by a quick email to flightcomment@airnz.co.nz, is wonderful!QUOTE]

I have wriiten to flightcomment on several occasions when I have had really outstanding service. Yes, I mention the name of the FSM and the FAs as well. Oddly enough, it's only been on TT on 767s that I have been prompted to write a flight comment as the service in those flights seems so much more relaxed and friendlier, for some reason ( yes, more crew i suppose).

I have never had such a bad crew/individual FAs i have been compelled to write and complain. Thank god most of those ex Merchant Seaman FAs have either retired or being given VR = some of them which were just truly awful.

Cheers

Very small question....

Flying AKL-HKG soon... first time off the AKL-LAX treadmill :D..

NZ 39 goes on to LHR right? Was wondering... WHERE would the crew on those flights be based? Kiwis or not?

Very small question....

Flying AKL-HKG soon... first time off the AKL-LAX treadmill :D..

NZ 39 goes on to LHR right? Was wondering... WHERE would the crew on those flights be based? Kiwis or not?The crew appear to be based in New Zealand for that half of the flight.

I'm sure nz_crew will correct if I am wrong

ntd is correct.

NZ2/1 AKL-LAX and LAX-AKL is operated by AKL based crew
NZ2/1 LAX-LHR and LHR-LAX is operated by LHR based crew

NZ39/8 AKL-HKG and HKG-AKL is AKL base
NZ39/8 HKG-LHR and LHR-HKG is LHR base

GOOD news! Thanks for that!;)

Hello nz_crew...great thread!

I'm flying LAX/LHR this month. Are FA's allowed to accept food items from passengers? If not, what would be a good gift from an appreciative passenger? I've heard that magazines are welcome. Please offer your suggestions. Thanks!

Hi lyradd,

For the benefit of other readers, let me say that in my view, gifts are not necessary to ensure good service on Air NZ.

There are a few passengers who give us small gifts, which is very generous and nice. There's one older gent and his wife who travel Business Premier LHR-AKL regularly, and they always bring us their homemade chocolate chip cookies! Some other things I can remember being gifted to us include Lindt chocolates, trashy gossip magazines, and Starbucks cards, all of which were great.

However, personally (and I'm sure I speak for most of the crew here) we'd rather you spent your money on yourself and your family during your travel. We're all paid a decent salary to look after you, and enjoy what we do, otherwise we wouldn't be here!

Hi nz_crew,

This is a fantastic thread; thanks for initiating it.

I have a question: Has the order of taking meal requests changed in C on a 767?

IIRC, 4A/B were the first seats to place their order, then continued in a clockwise direction (3A/B, 2A/B, etc.). On the last few flights on a 767 I've noticed that this no longer seems to be the case. Now, it looks as though whoever finishes their starter first gets first pickings of the mail meal.

Is this correct, or have the crews I flown with recently just not follow S.O.P?

Depends on the meal service in my experience. Supper definitely meal service orders taken in a sequence at the start (or even pre-take off if they have time). Sometimes, if don't have many of a popular choice they jump ahead to the highest elites to get their order before it runs out ^

Breakfast and lunch no pre-order taken.

Dinner - sometimes pre-order and sometimes not. I don't know why there is different treatment on different flights.

If this isn't too personal, what is the approx remuneration for a FSM? Including overtime and allowances?

Meal service, should, if correctly done, start from 4AB as originally. Some crew I believe take orders when the passengers have finished their entree, but I believe most that do that then assemble the orders in the galley and prioritize by Gold Elite, etc.

Remember that on occasion, when there's 3 crew up there (2 in cabin, 1 in galley) one of the crew in cabin will be an economy rank crew assisting business, so they might not alway be familiar with the service flow.

Salaries .. while I can't specify the exact figure, I will say very early 6 figures for an FSM.

Meal service, should, if correctly done, start from 4AB as originally. Some crew I believe take orders when the passengers have finished their entree, but I believe most that do that then assemble the orders in the galley and prioritize by Gold Elite, etc.

Remember that on occasion, when there's 3 crew up there (2 in cabin, 1 in galley) one of the crew in cabin will be an economy rank crew assisting business, so they might not alway be familiar with the service flow.

Thanks for confirming my understanding nz_crew. I didn't mention that I was referring to the dinner service, not to breakfast or lunch. I guess the past few trips were the exception to the rule and not, as I suspected, a change to the policy.

Thanks for that nz crew. And if I remember rightly, above the FSM is a performance and development director who is not cabin crew?

Resurrecting this one for a simple question (?) inspired by a thread on the BA forum...

What - if any - policy exists for "visitors" in BP? When I fly NZ it is usually in Y+ with a buddy... I apply routinely for upgrades to BP while he can't as he credits to M&P (and he upgrades on UA flights of course! :D)..

So... If I'm in BP and he's in Y+.. can he "pop in for a drink/visit" when nothing else is happening? (Not fr'instance any time around the meal service)?

Have never suggested it- and wouldn't have really thought about it ... but as BA apparently has a policy in their highest class of allowing appropriate visits, and as NZ C (like BA F) has a "second seating area" built in to the BP seats... I just got curious...

P.S. AKL-HKG flight in BP was a mixed blessing... Fell rather ill an hour out of AKL...:(... "Chris" was great.. got me some light stuff I could stomach.. then I was off to sleep... When I sat up about 4 hours (?) later he was straight over to see if I wanted anything at all... I felt well cared for indeed.. (and recovered by HKG thank goodness...)

AFAIK no. You, however, can go back to meet with him (as long as not disrupting service or other pax).

How would it work with drinks/food? Someone in Y+ going to visit a friend in BP wouldn't be a problem in terms of food or drink because Y+ pax get the same as BP. But say you had a person from Y coming to visit in BP, would they need to bring their own drink from the Y cabin? Or would the BP crew be nice and give the Y pax a drink from the BP stock?

Call me names if you want, but I really don't think it's appropriate for visits between ticketed cabins. Part of the 'deal' with a premium ticket is a private and tranquil environment (at least compared to economy!). On occasion, when a celebrity is known to be up front, any excuse will do to go and have a gawk.

IF it was a husband-wife thing, I would regard the acceptable thing to do as to visit the 'lower' ticketed cabin for any visits and conversations. I'm sure cabin crew will be happy to run one or two messages from Y+ or Y to the J passenger, but personally I wouldn't allow extended visits to the ottoman or anything like that. It's intended for passengers travelling in the same cabin to dine together, due to the isolation of the bed design, as far as I'm concerned.

Whoa there... no name calling intended!:D Appreciate the input.. it's why I asked the question! ^

(And I have experienced that "happy to help" attitude -think I've told this story before.. Sorry - on a TT flight when I upgraded and a friend was in Y.. FA asked about him.. then explained she couldn't "bring him forward"... which I would NEVER expect anyway! - but took him a newspaper and a preflight drink!! I joke with him about that by asking (He's a QF FF) "Would that have happened on QANTAS?":D

Would have been more than happy with the answer "Forbidden by policy" If the crew isn't going to like it then I for one wouldn't put them on the spot by asking.... that's a bit mean!!

As I said.. my curiosity was aroused by the BA comparison...

Don't think it's actually terribly appropriate to go "back" either... Y+ may be a LOT nicer than Y.. but even in the 8 seat main Deck area it would be difficult to "visit" without being in the way IMO.... which is why I haven't done that either!! ;)

He's not my "wife" OR partner... so SOD'IM....:D

Thanks again for the views!

I once changed my flights to an earlier day from WLG-SYD then connected to Ansett to MEL, with my admin. They only had one seat in Business, so it was put in my name and the other seat in the 737 was in Y. The admin asked if she could fly business as she was less likely to get it in the future. I said yes and went down the back.

The Hostee said "Mr?...." to the admin and she explained that I gave up the seat to her. Half way through the flight I got sent a glass of port and at the end of the flight there was a nice present waiting for me. ^

On the 737 / 320 with a single aisle, any visit backwards would be annoying as it would block it for everyone as there wouldn't be anywhere to sit.

I have visited people I am travelling with in a lower class of service, but it always turns into I am sitting somewhere your not and embarrasing for the people around them. So a 30 second - are you okay, where you will meet them at the other end just like you would if you were all travelling in economy but in different areas, and that is about it.

So... If I'm in BP and he's in Y+.. can he "pop in for a drink/visit" when nothing else is happening? (Not fr'instance any time around the meal service)?


Not ANZ, but I had just this experience on QF46 (CHC-SYD) on Sunday. I was in Business and there were 6 of the 30 seats free. Halfway through the lunch service the FA brought forward (I will assume she was the partner) a young (25ish) lady to sit with the young man in front of me. She was offered the remaining food choice (at least everyone else had been served). She was offered wine and remained for the rest of the flight.

have flown with air NZ many times now, ive two questions like to ask if anyone can help please.

why air NZ dont close the curtain or somehow stop economy passengers ''rushing'' through to the front when everyone in the front cabin ''trying'' to get off the plane?

why air NZ crew dont escort their business class passengers to their seat when they are onboard?

other airlines will make sure their premium cabin passengers get off the plane first but why air NZ dont do it? i was thinking i was unlucky with this flight, but no, it happens in every flight ive travelled on.

cheers in advance.

why air NZ crew dont escort their business class passengers to their seat when they are onboard?

other airlines will make sure their premium cabin passengers get off the plane first but why air NZ dont do it? i was thinking i was unlucky with this flight, but no, it happens in every flight ive travelled on

I have never thought of being escorted to your seat. I am just grateful being escorted to the gate at LAX from the Lounge.

You must be very unlucky as NZ are very strict about ensuring premuim passengers are off the plane first. I have never found this an issue at all.

NZ_Crew,

Be interested to hear your comments on this but has the catering ex AKL gotten worse in the last year? I reckon it's much better ex LAX. I was talking to an FA on AKL LAX recently and she was saying there have been 'issues' with BP and PE catering ex AKL lately. My main course was so atrocious I didn't eat it - I wasn't that hungry so it wasn't a big deal (I ended up haveing 2 yummy desserts instead).

Cheers

have flown with air NZ many times now, ive two questions like to ask if anyone can help please.

why air NZ dont close the curtain or somehow stop economy passengers ''rushing'' through to the front when everyone in the front cabin ''trying'' to get off the plane?

why air NZ crew dont escort their business class passengers to their seat when they are onboard?

other airlines will make sure their premium cabin passengers get off the plane first but why air NZ dont do it? i was thinking i was unlucky with this flight, but no, it happens in every flight ive travelled on.

cheers in advance.

We simply don't have the manpower onboard to escort passengers to their seats. :( It's something I'd like to be able to do, but the simple reality is we have 14 crew on a 747 and 10 on a 777, less than just about every other airline in the world.

Every flight we make the following announcement - "To make it as easy as possible for everyone to leave the aircraft today, we'll be inviting our Business Class passengers to disembark first". On the 747, as there are 2 crew seated at door 2L, one is able to position themselves at the front of the economy cabin to block those passengers until the upper deck and nose have disembarked. On the 777, there are only single crew at each door, so this is not possible.

other airlines will make sure their premium cabin passengers get off the plane first but why air NZ dont do it?

You've obviously never flown United Airlines? :rolleyes:

Even before the aircraft comes to a complete stop at the gate and the Captain turns off the seat-belt sign, you'll often see Coach passengers charge toward 1L. The cabin crew rarely stop them so that First Class passengers can deplane first.

I have never thought of being escorted to your seat. I am just grateful being escorted to the gate at LAX from the Lounge.

i've saw people discussing about being escorted to the gate at LAX!! (jealous) wish they can do that at all airports...or to high status members traveling in biz.

You must be very unlucky as NZ are very strict about ensuring premuim passengers are off the plane first. I have never found this an issue at all.

yes ive been very unlucky all the time....just got back from Nadi yesterday in C. as soon as the door open, passengers from space+ just rushed out, that was painful, happened on both outbound (777) and inbound (767) flight. i guess crews relaised they are all atleast G, but still biz passengers should be off first.

and yes long haul to both Asia and LHR, no sign off anyone been stopped by the crews, especially you are in PE, people behind you just 'rush' and stand right next to you. sometimes you can see their eyes is on fire when you take a one look at them. i guess crews really have to close the curtain as soon as land. thats probably the only way to stop them coming forward (from my experiences with other airlines).

[/QUOTE]Every flight we make the following announcement - "To make it as easy as possible for everyone to leave the aircraft today, we'll be inviting our Business Class passengers to disembark first". On the 747, as there are 2 crew seated at door 2L, one is able to position themselves at the front of the economy cabin to block those passengers until the upper deck and nose have disembarked. On the 777, there are only single crew at each door, so this is not possible.[/QUOTE]

yes everyone heard the announcement, but no one really 'bother' i guess. have flown 777 majority of the time, would love to see the crews do something about it. is there a ''good way'' that i can let the air NZ know? done the air nz my voice thingy a few months back, dont think anything had been done as i ask them to give me a respond regards to a couple of other little things, never heard anything at all.

just another 2 quick questions, is it likely 747 will be used again for LHR via HKG? i guess the loads must not good enough that why air NZ dropped to 777?

and also for the express path arrival in AKL, is it likely going to be expend to all air NZ flights? any time frame?

cheers

You've obviously never flown United Airlines? :rolleyes:

Even before the aircraft comes to a complete stop at the gate and the Captain turns off the seat-belt sign, you'll often see Coach passengers charge toward 1L. The cabin crew rarely stop them so that First Class passengers can deplane first.

no i ve never flown with any USA's airlines. was keen to fly United this year's thanks giving but the price putted me off. for a short flight between Tokyo to Taipei(direct) was showing USD$2500. haha i though i could buy a first class ticket from HKG to TPE plus a shopping spread at the airport.

it must be very painful to see all other passengers getting off 'infront' of you no matter what class you are traveling in.

yes everyone heard the announcement, but no one really 'bother' i guess. have flown 777 majority of the time, would love to see the crews do something about it. is there a ''good way'' that i can let the air NZ know? done the air nz my voice thingy a few months back, dont think anything had been done as i ask them to give me a respond regards to a couple of other little things, never heard anything at all.


As NZCrew pointed out, NZ has lack of crew on board. Which in the long run, they NZ is very unlikely to add more crew to flight.

Just on the domestic flights when they ask the passengers that are at there final destination to wait for connection passengers to deplane first. How many people just get up anyway!

To be honest, I think there's very little point writing to Air NZ about this.

For a start, it's somewhat trivial (the amount of economy passengers that will get off before you is relatively small anyway).

More importantly, NZ civil aviation regulations (and I would think most other countries also) do not permit any curtains or other partitions to be fastened when the aircraft is on the ground. Crew must also remain seated with harness fastened until the aircraft has stopped at the gate, except to perform safety-related duties. By the time we've unfastened our harness and prepared the doors for arrival, most business class passengers are standing anyway so it would cause more inconvenience to them by squeezing past them than benefit.

Due to the layout of the 767, there is 4 crew seated at the front of business class, and the next two are about 12 seat-rows back in economy. So I can't really see any practical way to achieve the strict departure segregation that you desire.

Other posters - is this really as much of a problem as the OP is representing?

I might throw this little detail in here as I don't think it's important enough to deserve its own thread.

Safety audits have recently been completed on the Gate to Gate IFE trial, with the result being that it will be continuing permanently.
The only difference is that exit row seating will not have blankets supplied until after the seatbelt sign goes off, and they will be taken away again when the crew are seated for landing in the descent. In addition, they will continue to be prohibited from using the foldout monitors during taxi, takeoff and landing.

I might throw this little detail in here as I don't think it's important enough to deserve its own thread.

Safety audits have recently been completed on the Gate to Gate IFE trial, with the result being that it will be continuing permanently.
The only difference is that exit row seating will not have blankets supplied until after the seatbelt sign goes off, and they will be taken away again when the crew are seated for landing in the descent. In addition, they will continue to be prohibited from using the foldout monitors during taxi, takeoff and landing.

Good news, the i found the Gate to Gate IFE to be great. It seemed make the boarding process alot more peaceful.

The rule change about blankets is fair. I wonder why they didn't put the PTVs on the bulk head walls in Y.

To be honest, I think there's very little point writing to Air NZ about this.

For a start, it's somewhat trivial (the amount of economy passengers that will get off before you is relatively small anyway).

More importantly, NZ civil aviation regulations (and I would think most other countries also) do not permit any curtains or other partitions to be fastened when the aircraft is on the ground. Crew must also remain seated with harness fastened until the aircraft has stopped at the gate, except to perform safety-related duties. By the time we've unfastened our harness and prepared the doors for arrival, most business class passengers are standing anyway so it would cause more inconvenience to them by squeezing past them than benefit.

I agree that this is a trivial issue and I really have no objection if people need to deplane before me, unless of course I have a tight connection due to a delayed flight.

As for NZ civil aviation regulations restricting curtains and crew while taxiing: I wonder how SQ—and others—manages to get around this regulation? On all SQ flights to all destinations, SQ crew close the curtains between F/C and C/Y on landing and then stand behind them to prevent passengers in that cabin from deplaning until the forward cabins have cleared.

As for NZ civil aviation regulations restricting curtains and crew while taxiing: I wonder how SQ—and others—manages to get around this regulation? On all SQ flights to all destinations, SQ crew close the curtains between F/C and C/Y on landing and then stand behind them to prevent passengers in that cabin from deplaning until the forward cabins have cleared.

Because the rules apply to what country the aircraft is registered in.

Latitudes - you forced me to page through my huge safety manual!

It seems my memory was faulty - it is an Air New Zealand safety requirement, rather than an NZCAA requirement.

Air New Zealand policy is to assume that fuelling is taking place at all times when the aircraft is at the gate.

FA1 must ensure that:
(snip list of requirements)
All cabin curtains are fastened open.
(snip more requirements)

Great news that gate to gate IFE is continuing permanently.

For a start, it's somewhat trivial (the amount of economy passengers that will get off before you is relatively small anyway).

Other posters - is this really as much of a problem as the OP is representing?

As someone mostly at the front of economy if I'm on NZ longhaul (and mostly on the 777) I find there are normally straggling BP passengers still leaving the plane by the time I get to the door.

As a matter of common courtesy if there is a BP passenger coming out I indicate they should go ahead of me.

But typically the reason they are slow to deplane is they are old, and then I overtake them on the airbridge.

It would be absurd to require that the entire premium cabins deplane before economy, precisely because of things like this—some passengers in premium cabins are slow.

...yes, once on the airbridge, all bets are off in terms of pax status...:p

I usually manage to overtake many who are unsure of where to go, are seeking colleagues, or are simply slower than me. Such is life, and providing I don't run anyone over, I have no qualms about overtaking other pax.

In the aircraft, strictly in turn unless a pax clearly is waiting/resting.

Cheers, TK

It would be absurd to require that the entire premium cabins deplane before economy, precisely because of things like this—some passengers in premium cabins are slow.

Some airlines do require just that (eg SQ).

Unless I have a super tight connection or running late for a meeting I don't let it bother me. I can usually pass most or all of the premium cabin on the way to immigration (especially at AKL) or lounge.

Latitudes - you forced me to page through my huge safety manual!

It seems my memory was faulty - it is an Air New Zealand safety requirement, rather than an NZCAA requirement.

Thanks for clarifying that nz_crew; I appreciate the time you took to verify it and I hope the task was not too onerous. ;)

A few more trivial enhancements:

Starting 1 August, we will enter a new cycle for the wines
served in our premium cabins on long haul flights (including
Perth and Papeete). An exciting new range of wines have
been selected by our wine consultants; we have some
excellent examples of New Zealand’s iconic Sauvignon Blanc
and Pinot Noir, the range also includes some lesser known
varietals such as Gewurztraminer and Rose.


The centre console between Business Class seats on the
767 aircraft are being modified with a new deployment
lever to make it easier for the IFE monitor to be released.
This removes the requirement to reach into the
console to the release the monitor.

An exciting addition from August to the Panasonic system on A320 and B767 aircraft is weekly content
uploads. This will provide customers with exclusive access to the latest Shortland Street episodes and
all the latest All Blacks test matches including the Tri Nations tournament.
Each week (starting Monday 3 August), the Panasonic system will be updated with the previous week’s
episodes of Shortland Street, New Zealand’s longest running soap opera. And, die-hard rugby fans will
be able to watch All Blacks test matches against France, Italy and Australia played in June and July.
These games should be available two working days after the match, however please be aware that
technical issues may prevent this from happening.


As of 1st July, Thanks to crew feedback, this cycle will see the introduction of comfort dishes on selected routes. The comfort dishes provide customers with a choice if they prefer a home style meal, such as pasta. This concept will be developed further in future cycles. Smoked chicken macaroni will
feature out of London, salmon spinach and dill linguine pasta (image below left) out of Los Angeles to
London and on selected routes out of Auckland penne carbonara.


From 1 July, passengers in economy travelling on short haul routes to Australia and the Pacific
Islands will be able to select a gluten free special meal, in addition to the vegetarian special meal.
The Air New Zealand booking engine will be updated early in July.


And finally.. one "enhancement" (a la US carriers) - From 1 July, the spicy fruit buns will be removed from hot breakfast trays when breakfast is a second meal ex Auckland, Japan and China.

Awsome news about the IFE

That is good news.

So now A320 & 767 both better economy seating and better IFE than 747 & 777. 737 seating is also better.

It seems a bit odd to me to make the short/midhaul better than longhaul.

That is good news.

So now A320 & 767 both better economy seating and better IFE than 747 & 777. 737 seating is also better.

It seems a bit odd to me to make the short/midhaul better than longhaul.

From what ive heard the 772 are going in for a full refit next year:)

The Rockwell Collins IFE system used on the 747 and 777 doesn't have the capability for weekly uploads, I believe. (From what I hear the updating process is much longer and more involved).

The 772 will be retrofitted with the 773 interior (the little of which I know suggests this interior is going to change the face of economy travel)

[QUOTE=nz_crew;12131866]The Rockwell Collins IFE system used on the 747 and 777****.
/QUOTE]

:)

Does anyone have any experiences with the new wine list yet?

Sorry didn't pay enough attention but can report back in 1 week in depth - had the Alphus Domus Chardonnay outbound 4 days ago and was so relieved and pleased to see the Forrest sticky back after the previous desert wine which I thought was almost undrinkable

Sorry didn't pay enough attention but can report back in 1 week in depth - had the Alphus Domus Chardonnay outbound 4 days ago and was so relieved and pleased to see the Forrest sticky back after the previous desert wine which I thought was almost undrinkable

God - the Forrest dessert wine is the highlight of each trip I have with them... I've been trying to find a supplier in OZ cos I would buy a case!